NEET Biology Multiple Choice Question and Answers
A Brief Account Of Evolution And Human Evolution
Question 1. How many eras does the geological time scale consist of?
- Six
- Five
- Four
- Three
Answer: 1. Six
The geological time scale is the tabulated form showing the sequence and duration of the eras and the periods with their dominant form of life since the beginning of life on the earth.
In the geological time scale, the duration of the earth’s history has been divided into six palaeoart geological timespans called the eras which are azoic, archaeozoic, proterozoic, palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
Question 2. In which era, mammals and birds evolved?
- Mesozoic
- Cenozoic
- Palaeozoic
- Precambrian
Answer: 2. Cenozoic
” evolution class 12 mcq”
The Cenozoic era is the age of mammals, birds and angiosperms. The Mesozoic era is an age of reptiles and gymnosperms.
The Palaeozoic era is the age of amphibians and fishes. In the procambium era, the emergence of single-celled organisms occurred.
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Question 3. In Miocene,
- Mammals reached a peak of diversity
- Reptiles reached a peak of diversity
- Reptiles were dominant
- Birds were dominant
Answer: 1. Mammals reached a peak of diversity
In the Miocene epoch, mammals reached the peak of diversity as they occurred the evolution of the first man-like apes. Man is the most advanced mammal.
Question 4. Which of the following is not included in the Cenozoic era?
- Devonian
- Pliocene
- Pleistocene
- Miocene
Answer: 1. Devonian
The Devonian period belongs to a palaeozoic era which is famous as the ‘age of fishes. The rest of the options are included in the Cenozoic era.
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Question 5. Prevalence of only modern humans is observed in which epoch?
- Pleistocene
- Holocene
- Pliocene
- Miocene
Answer: 2. Holocene
In the quaternary period, there were two epochs The Holocene includes only modern humans. The Pleistocene includes the ice age and various human species.
Question 6. Dinosaurs became extinct in
- Silurian period
- Jurassic period
- Triassic age
- Cretaceous period
Answer: 4. Cretaceous period
Giant reptiles like dinosaurs became extinct in the Cretaceous period mainly because of their lack of adaptability, depleted supply of food, predation and large-scale destruction of their eggs.
“evolution mcq “
Question 7. The Mesozoic era is called the golden period of
- Birds
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Pisces
Answer: 3. Reptiles
The Mesozoic era is known as the golden age of the reptiles. It started about 252 million years ago when the Permian period came to an end and lasted until 65 million years ago when the Cretaceous period ended.
Question 8. The period of ……………… Were dominated by corals, lungfishes and air-breathing animals.
- Mississippian
- Silurian
- Devonian
- Jurassic
Answer: 2. Silurian
The Silurian period was dominated by corals, lungfishes and air-breathing animals. It was between 400-440 mya.
During this time, the appearance of the first terrestrial animals, wingless insects, jawed fishes, lycopods, and ferns occurred. There was also the dominance of algae, ascomycete fungi
Question 9. Mammals arose from reptiles in
- Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era
- Triassic period of mesozoic era
- Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era
- Carboniferous age
Answer: 3. Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era
Angiosperms and mammals arose simultaneously in the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era.
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Question 10. Trilobites appeared and disappeared, respectively during
- Cambrian and permian period
- Silurian and carboniferous period
- Ordovician and triassic period
- None of the above
Answer: 1. Cambrian and Permian periods
Trilobites are a well-known fossil group of extinct marine arthropods that form the class– Trilobita.
The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the early Cambrian period (526 million years ago).
They flourished throughout the lower Palaeozoic era before the beginning of a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all Trilobite orders with the sole exception of Proetida died out.
Trilobites finally disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 250 million years ago.
“evolution questions “
Question 11. The Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era was characterised by
- Radiation of reptiles and origin of mammal-like reptiles
- Dinosaurs became extinct and angiosperms appeared
- Flowering plants and the first dinosaurs appeared
- Gymnosperms were dominant plants and the first birds appeared
Answer: 4. Gymnosperms were dominant plants and the first birds appeared
The jurassic period of the Mesozoic era existed about 19-20 crore years ago and lasted for about 5.5- 6 crore years ago. The climate was hot and damp. It is called the Age of Dinosaurs. The first primitive bird archaeopteryx evolved from reptiles.
First angiosperm appeared as a dicotyledon, but gymnosperms were dominant in this era.
Question 12. In which era did protozoans, algae and sponges originate?
- Cenozoic era
- Azoic era
- Proterozoic era
- Mesozoic era
Answer: 3. Proterozoic era
In the proterozoic era, protozoan, algae and sponges originated.
Question 13. Which is the correct order of increasing geological time scale for a hypothetical vertebrate evolution?
- Cenozoic, mesozoic, palaeozoic, precambrian
- Cenozoic, palaeozoic, mesozoic, precambrian
- Precambrian, cenozoic, palaeozoic, mesozoic
- Precambrian, palaeozoic, Mesozoic, cenozoic
Answer: 4. Precambrian, palaeozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic
The correct order of increasing geological time scale for a hypothetical vertebrate evolution is Precambrian → palaeozoic → Mesozoic → Cenozoic Precambrian means hidden life, palaeozoic means old life, Mesozoic means middle life and Cenozoic means new life.
Question 14. Match the following columns.
Answer: 1–5, 2–4, 3–1, 4–3, 5–2
Question 15. Angiosperm arose in the …………………… Period.
- Carboniferous
- Cretaceous
- Triassic
- Tertiary
Answer: 2. Cretaceous
During the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, there was rapid development of angiosperms (first monocotyledons) and a decline of gymnosperms
Question 16. Ancestral amphibians were tetrapods that evolved during
- Jurassic period
- Devonian period
- Cretaceous period
- Carboniferous period
Answer: 2. Devonian period
The Devonian period started about 405 million years ago and lasted about 60 million years ago.
It is frequently known as the ‘age of fishes. The late Devonian is characterised by the appearance of the first land vertebrates. These animals were amphibians and were called stegocepholians (roof-headed). The earliest known stegocepholian is named ichthyoses
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Question 17. The geological era extending from the present to 65 million years ago is called
- Cenozoic
- Mesozoic
- Proterozoic
- Palaeozoic
Answer: 1. Coenozoic
The Cenozoic era is the era of recent life up to the present, having an estimated duration of about 65 million years ago. It could be called as ‘age of mammals’ although it is also marked by great adaptive radiation in birds and insects.
Question 18. In which era life is absent?
- Archaeozoic
- Palaeozoic
- Proterozoic
- Azoic
Answer: 4. Azoic
The Azoic era is characterised by the complete absence of living organisms. This era can be described as the earliest time in the history of Earth during which several changes on Earth created favourable conditions for the appearance and preponderance of living organisms.
Question 19. The dominant animal during the Mesozoic era was
- Pleiososaurus
- Latimeria
- Climatic
- Ceratodus
Answer: 1. Pleiososaurus
The Mesozoic era is the geological era that extended from the end of the Palaeozoic era about 248 million years ago to the beginning of the Cenozoic era, about 65 million years ago. It comprises the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
“questions about evolution “
The Mesozoic era is often known as the age of reptiles as these animals, which included the dinosaurs, pterosaurs, plesiosaurus and ichthyosaurus, became the dominant lifeforms.
Question 20. Which of the following statements is correct?
- Birds originated 150 million years ago.
- Mammals originated 200 million years ago.
- Multicellular organisms originated 1 billion years ago.
Choose the option containing the correct statements.
- 1 And 2
- 2 And 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2 And 3
Answer: 4. 1, 2 And 3
All the given statements are correct. The basic timeline of the 4.6 billion-year-old earth, with the type of organisms, is given below
Age of appearance – types of organisms 3.6 billion years – simple cells (prokaryotes) 1 billion years – multicellular organisms 570 million years – arthropods (ancestors of insects, arachnids and crustaceans)
500 Million years – fish and proto amphibians
360 Million years – amphibians
300 Million years – reptiles
200 million years – mammals
150 million years – birds
20 million years – the appearance of the hominoidae (great apes)
Thus, option 4 is correct
Question 21. Identify the statements that are correct regarding the evolution of
plants and animals.
Amphibians evolved into reptiles.
Fish with stout and strong fins could move on land and go back to water. This happened about 350 million years ago.
Giant ferns fell to form coal deposits slowly.
About 65 million years ago, dinosaurs were wiped out.
Archaeopteryx is the connecting link between birds and reptiles. Choose the option containing the correct statements.
1 And 2
3 And 4
5 And 1
1, 2, 3, 4 And 5
Answer: 4. 1, 2, 3, 4 And 5
All the given statements are correct regarding the evolution of plants and animals.
Question 22. The dinosaurs were maximum during the period of
- Jurassic
- Triassic
- Cretaceous
- Palaeocene
Answer: 1. Jurassic
The Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era is known as the ‘golden age of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs were maximum during this period
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Question 23. Arrange the periods of a Palaeozoic era in ascending order of a geological time scale.
- Cambrian → ordovician → silurian → devonian → carboniferous → permian
- Cambrian → devonian → ordovician → silurian → carboniferous → permian
- Cambrian → ordovician → devonian → silurian → carboniferous → permian
- Silurian → devonian → cambrian ordovician → permian → carboniferous
Answer: 1. Cambrian → ordovician → silurian → devonian → carboniferous → Permian
The Palaeozoic (meaning the time of ancient life) era lasted from 544 to 245 million years ago and is divided into six periods.
Cambrian (541 million to 485.4 million years ago), Ordovician (485.4 million to 443.8 million years ago), Silurian (443.8 million to 419.2 million years ago),
Devonian (419.2 million to 358.9 million years ago), carboniferous (358.9 million to 298.9 million years ago) and Permian (298.9 million to 252.2 million years ago) periods. Thus, option 1 is correct
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Question 24. The age of fishes is also known as
- Permian era
- Silurian era
- Devonian era
- Ordovician era
Answer: 3. Devonian era
The Devonian is often appropriately called the age of fishes since the fish took their place in complex reef systems containing nautiloids, corals, graptolites, blastoids, echinoderms, trilobites, sponges, brachiopods and conodonts.
Question 25. Which of the following went extinct recently?
- Draco
- Dinosaur
- Mammoth
- Pteridosperms
Answer: 3. Mammoth
A mammoth is a species of the genus– Mammuthus which went extinct recently. They were commonly equipped with long, curved tusks and in northern species a covering of long hair is present.
They lived from the Pliocene epoch (from around 5 million years ago) to the Holocene, at about 4,500 years ago in Europe, Asia and america as far south as Mexico.
They were members of the family– Elephantidae which included, along with mammoths, two genera of modern elephants and their ancestors.
Question 26. First modern birds appeared during which era?
- Jurassic
- Cretaceous
- Carboniferous
- Triassic
Answer: 2. Cretaceous
The first modern birds appeared during the Cretaceous period
Question 27. In which period of the palaeozoic era did the first vertebrates appear?
- Silurian
- Ordovician
- Devonian
- Mississippian
Answer: 2. Ordovician
It was long thought that the first true vertebrates (fish – ostracoderm) appeared in Ordovician, but recent discoveries in China reveal that they probably originated in the early Cambrian.
The very first gnathostome (jawed fish) appeared in the late Ordovician epoch
Question 28. The gymnosperms formed the dominant vegetation on the earth during the geological period called
- Carboniferous
- Permian
- Triassic
- Jurassic
Answer: 3. Triassic
Gymnosperms are a small group of plants which constitute a subdivision of spermatophyte or phanerogams.
Gymnosperms are the most primitive seed plants. The age of higher gymnosperms is the Mesozoic era. The forest of the Triassic period of the Mesozoic era was formed of highly developed gymnosperms, represented chiefly by conifers and cycads.
Question 29. The occurrence of endemic species in South America and Australia is due to
- These species have been extinct in other regions
- Continental separation
- There is no terrestrial route to these places
- Retrogressive evolution
Answer: 2. Continental separation
The presence of endemic species (monotremes and marsupials) in Australia and south america is due to continental separation.
Australia, New Zealand and south america were once continuous with the mainland of Asia but got separated in the late Cretaceous period before the appearance of carnivorous Eutherian mammals.
Placental mammals, being more adapted, eliminated monotremes and most marsupials from the Asian mainland, but the primitive mammals of Australia and south america survived, as placental mammals could not reach there because of no land connections.
Question 30. The era called the ‘Age of prokaryotic microbes’ is
- Archaeozoic
- Precambrian
- Phanerozoic
- Proterozoic
Answer: 4. Proterozoic
About one billion years ago, the dominant organisms of Earth were cyanobacteria and protozoans therefore, it was named ‘proterozoic’. It is known as the age of prokaryotic microbes
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Question 31. Match the following columns.
Answer: 2. 1-5,2-1,3-4,4-2
Question 32. In the Mesozoic era, the correct sequence of the periods, beginning with the earliest, is
- Triassic, Jurassic, cretaceous
- Jurassic, cretaceous, Triassic
- Cretaceous, Triassic, and Jurassic
- Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic
Answer: 1. Triassic, Jurassic, cretaceous
In the Mesozoic era, the correct sequence of the periods beginning with the earliest is triassic→ Jurassic → Cretaceous
Question 33. The geologic time scale was developed by
- Aristotle
- C Lapworth
- A Sedgwick
- G Arduino
Answer: 4. G Arduino
The first geological time scale was developed by Giovanni Arduino, an Italian scientist, in 1760
Question 34. The origin of the first toothed birds took place in
- Cretaceous
- Triassic
- Jurassic
- Permian
Answer: 3. Jurassic
The jurassic era occurred from 199.6 to 145.5 million years ago. The reptiles are evident to have dominated this era and so, the existence of first-toothed birds is believed to have occurred during the Jurassic era.
Question 35. The first evidence of land plants came in
- Archeozoic era
- Mesozoic era
- Palaeozoic era
- Cenozoic era
Answer: 3. Palaeozoic era
The first land plants appeared around 470 million years ago, during the Ordovician period when life was diversifying rapidly. They were non-vascular plants like mosses and liverworts, that did not have deep roots. Ordovician period is a part of palaeozoic era.
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Question 36. During the course of evolution, which part of the brain has shown maximum increase in size?
- Midbrain
- Forebrain
- Hindbrain
- All of these
Answer: 2. Forebrain
The forebrain is the brain region which has undergone the most dramatic changes through vertebrate evolution. So, it has shown a maximum increase in size. It controls body temperature, reproductive functions, eating, sleeping and the display of emotions
Question 37. Primates which existed about 15 million years ago were
- Dryopithecus
- Homo habilis
- Ramapithecus
- Australopithecus
Answer: ramapithecus
Ramapithecus was a primate which appeared about 14-15 million years ago.
Question 38. Man evolved in
- Triassic period
- Jurassic
- Permian period
- Pliocene
Answer: 4. Pliocene
Pliocene is characterised by the origin of man. Triassic involved the evolution of various reptilian groups like dinosaurs, pterosaurs and ichthyosaurus.
Question 39. The age of the fossil of Dryopithecus on the geological time scale is
- 5 × 106 Years back
- 25 × 106 Years back
- 50 × 106 Years back
- 75 × 106 Years back
Answer: 2. 25 × 106 Years back
Dryopithecus lived about 20- 25 million years ago or 25 10× 6 years back
Question 40. In recent years, dna sequences (nucleotide sequences of mtDNA and y-chromosomes) were considered for the study of human evolution, because
- Their structure is known in greater detail
- They can be studied from the sample of fossil remains
- They are small and therefore easy to study
- They are uniparental in origin and do not take part in recombination
Answer: 4. They are uniparental in origin and do not take part in recombination
Wilson and Sarich chose mitochondrial dna (mtDNA) for the study of material line inheritance, while chromosomes were considered for the study of human evolution, particularly of the male domain.
It is possible because they are uniparental in origin and do not take part in recombination.
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Question 41. What kind of evidence suggested that man is more closely related to chimpanzees than to other hominoid apes?
- Evidence from dna from sex chromosomes only
- Comparison of chromosome morphology only
- Evidence from fossil remains, and the fossil mitochondrial dna alone
- Evidence from dna extracted from sex chromosomes, autosomes and mitochondria
Answer: 4. Evidence from dna extracted from sex chromosomes, autosomes and mitochondria
Question 42. The cranial capacity of Neanderthal man is
- 1350-1500 Cm3
- 1400-1450 Cm3
- 915-1250 Cm3
- 750-900 Cm3
Answer: 1400-1450 cm3
Question 43. Neanderthal man was followed by
- Cro-magnon man
- Homo sapiens sapiens
- Homo erectus
- Homo neanderthalensis
Answer: 4. Homo neanderthalensis
Dna from sex chromosomes, autosomes and mitochondria reflect the entire genomic limit. The degree of similarities between two species can be estimated by the pairing property of dna strands.
In the case of man and chimpanzee, there is 100% pairing between sex chromosome dna and autosomal dna.
Question 44. There are two opposing views about the origin of modern man. According to one view homo erectus in Asia were the ancestors of modern man. A study of variation of dna however suggested the African origin of modern man. What kind of observation on dna variation could suggest this?
- Greater variation in Asia than in Africa
- Greater variation in Africa than in Asia
- Similar variations in Africa and Asia
- Variation only in Asia and no variation in Africa
Answer: 1. Greater variation in Asia than in Africa
Scientists studying mitochondrial dna from living humans all over the world have argued that their research shows that all human races originated from one homo sapiens ancestor in Africa.
The divergence of mitochondrial dna of Africans from common sources began just some years back which was late for homo erectus to split between Asia.
Thus, there is greater variation in Asia than in Africa
Question 45. Among the human ancestors, the brain size was more than 1000 cc in
- Homo erectus
- Ramapithecus
- Homo habilis
- Homo neanderthalensis
Answer: 4. Homo neanderthalensis
Homo habilis had a cranial capacity in the range of 680 – 720 cc and that of homo erectus erectus was 775 – 990 cc. Homo erectus pekinensis had 915-1200 cc. Homo neanderthalensis had 1300-1600 cc.
Question 46. Choose the statement that is incorrect about homo habilis.
- Also called an able or skilful man.
- Also called a tool maker.
- Fossils were discovered from fast Africa.
- 500 Cc brain size.
- Have teeth like a modern man.
- Lived 2 million years ago.
Choose the correct option.
- Only 4
- Only 5
- Only 2
- Only 4
Answer: 1. Also called able or skilful man.
Only statement iv is incorrect. Homo habilis is also called handy or toolmaker man. Mary Leaky and lbs Leaky discovered the fossils of homo habilis from Pleistocene rocks of Olduvai Gorge in East Africa. His cranial capacity was 680-720 cc.
Their teeth were like that of modern humans. They were called able or skilful men and lived 2 million years ago. Rest statements are correct about homo habilis.
Question 47. What was the most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (homo sapiens) from his ancestors?
- Upright posture
- Shortening of jaws
- Binocular vision
- Increasing brain capacity
Answer: 4. Increasing brain capacity
The most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens) from his ancestors is the increase in brain capacity.
Question 48. The extinct human who lived 1,00,000 to 40,000 years ago, in Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, with short stature, heavy eyebrows, retreating foreheads, large jaws with heavy teeth, stocky bodies, a lumbering gait and stooped posture was
- Homo habilis
- Neanderthal human
- Cro-magnon man
- Ramapithecus
Answer: 4. Ramapithecus
The most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (homo sapiens) from his ancestors is the increase in brain capacity.
Question 49. Genus–homo erectus includes three fossil(s) namely
- Java ape man
- Neanderthal man
- Cro-magnon man
- Peking man
- Heidelberg man
- Modern man
Choose the correct option.
- 1, 2 And 3
- 2, 4 And 5
- 1, 4 And 5
- 3, 4 And 5
Answer: 3. 1, 4 And 5
Homo erectus includes three fossils (1, 4, 5)
java ape man- body 1.65 to 1.75 m tall, weight 70 kg, cranial capacity 800 to 1000 cc. peking man- about 1.55 to 1.60 m tall. He was slightly shorter and weaker.
He had a cranial capacity which ranged from 850 to 1100 cc. heidelberg man- he used tools and fire.
Cranial capacity was believed to be about 1300 cc. It is regarded as an intermediate between pithecanthropines and Neanderthals
Question 50. The modern man differs from the apes in
- Protruding eyes
- Spare body hair
- Wearing of clothes
- Arms shorter than legs
Answer: 4. Arms shorter than legs
Modern man differs from the apes in arms are shorter than legs, and apes’ arms are used in locomotion, called brachiating. This is a type of suspension and swinging of the body
Question 51. Which of the following is closer to man?
- Proconsul
- Dryopithecus
- Gibbon
- Orangutan
Answer: 2. Dryopithecus
Dryopithecus are more close to man. Their canine teeth are larger than those in humans, but not as strongly developed as those in other living apes. The limbs were not excessively long.
The skull lacked the well-developed crests and massive brow ridges similar to man
Question 52. Which one of the following statements about the fossil human species is correct?
- Fossils of homo neanderthalensis have been found recently in south america
- Neanderthal man and cro-magnon man did exist for some time together
- Australopithecus fossils have been found in Australia
- Homo erectus was preceded by homo habilis
Answer: 4. Homo erectus was preceded by homo habilis
The statement in option 4 is correct about the fossil human species. Other statements are incorrect and can be corrected as Cro-magnon succeeded Neanderthal.
Thus, they did not exist together. Fossils of Neanderthal man have been found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Fossils of Australopithecus have been found in Africa.
Question 53. Which human ancestor was named Lucy?
- Heidelberg man
- Cro-magnon man
- Australopithecus africanus
- Ramapithecus punjabicus
Answer: 3. Australopithecus africanus
In 1981, Donald Johanson found a 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of a female human ancestor. He nick-named it, Lucy. Lucy’s scientific name is Australopithecus africanus.
Question 54. Which one of the following statements is correct?
- Cro-magnon man’s fossil has been found in Ethiopia
- Homo erectus is the ancestor of man
- Neanderthal man is the direct ancestor of homo sapiens
- Australopithecus is the real ancestor of modern man
Answer: 2. Homo erectus is the ancestor of man
Only the statement in the option is correct. Other statements are incorrect and can be corrected as Cro-magnon man’s fossils have been found in Europe.
Neanderthal man is a transitional stage and it is not the direct ancestor of homo sapiens. Australopithecus appeared in the early Pleistocene and it is not the real ancestor of modern man
Question 55. Which of the following terms clearly determines the boundary between pieces and homo?
- Erect posture and free hands
- Reduced jaws and bipedal locomotion
- Parabolic dental arch
- Increased cranial capacity and skilful manipulation of hands to make tools
Answer: 4. Increased cranial capacity and skilful manipulation of hands to make tools
Dryopithecus, ramapithecus and Australopithecus, all had small cranial capacity and did not make tools. But homo habilis, homo erectus and homo sapiens, all had cranial capacity of more than 650 cc and started making tools.
Therefore, we can say that increased cranial capacity and skilful manipulation of hands to make tools determines the boundary between pieces and homo.
Question 56. The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent stages is
- Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → homo habilis → homo erectus
- Australopithecus → ramapithecus → homo habilis → homo erectus
- Pithecanthropus pekinensis → homo habilis → homo erectus
- Australopithecus → ramapithecus → pithecanthropus pekinensis → homo erectus
Answer: 1. Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → homo habilis → homo erectus
The chronological order of human evolution is ramapithecus (first hominid) → Australopithecus (first ape-man) → homo habilis (tool maker handyman) → homo erection
Question 57. Match the following columns.
Answer: 2. 1–4, 2–3, 3–2, 4–1
Question 58. The first human fossil probably belonged to
- Zizanthropus
- Australopithecus
- Pleisanthropus
- Pithecanthropus
Answer: 2. Australopithecus
Australopithecus is a group of extinct primates, closely related to (not actually ancestors) modern human beings and known from a series of fossils found at numerous sites in eastern, north-central and southern Africa.
Therefore, we can say the first human fossil probably belonged to Australopithecus.
Question 59. Which one of the following is the most primitive ancestor of man?
- Homo habilis
- Australopithecus
- Ramapithecus
- Homo neanderthalensis
Answer: 3. Ramapithecus
Ramapithecus (pithecus ape) lived about 14-8 mya. It was the most primitive human ancestor and a small ape-like creature (14 kg) which probably walked upright.
Question 60. Who was the first civilised man?
- Cro-magnon man
- Neanderthal man
- Heidelberg man
- Ternifier man
Answer: 1. Cro-magnon man
Cro-magnon was an excellent tool maker and a fine artist as they drew pictures in their caves. They were the first to domesticate dogs. They were also religious. So, they were the first civilised man.
Question 61. Homo sapiens originated how many years ago?
- About 5 lakh years ago
- About 2 lakh years ago
- About 4 lakh years ago
- About 3 lakh years ago
Answer: 2. About 2 lakh years ago
So far, the earliest finds of modern homo sapiens skeletons come from Africa. They date to nearly 2,00,000 years ago on that continent
Question 62. Fossil man, who made cave painting was Bihar
- Java man
- Neanderthal man
- Cro-magnon
- Peking man
Answer: 3. Cro-magnon
Cro-magnon man (homo sapiens fossilis) made cave paintings.
Cro-magnon was an excellent tool maker and a fine artist as they drew pictures in their caves. They were the first to domesticate dogs. They were also religious. So, they were the first civilised man.
Question 63. The ancestor of the man who first stood erect was
- Java man
- Australopithecus
- Peking man
- Cro-magnon
Answer: 1. Java man
‘Homo erectus’ (java man) is called ‘upright man’ (stood erect). So, it first stood erect.
Question 64. The most recent and direct pre-historic ancestor of present man is
- Cro-magnon
- Pre-neanderthal
- Neanderthal
- None of these
Answer: 1. Cro-magnon
Cro-magnon was the recent and direct pre-historic ancestor of the present man. They are referred to as early modern humans who lived in our world at the end of the last ice age (40,000-10,000 years ago).
Question 65. Homo erectus is the zoological name of
- Cro-magnon man
- Peking man
- Nutcracker man
- Neanderthal man
Answer: 2. Peking man
Peking man (homo erectus pekinensis, formerly known by the junior synonym, Sinanthropus pekinensis) is a group of fossil specimens of homo erectus, dated from roughly 7,50,000 years ago.
It was discovered in 1923-27 during excavations at Zhoukoudian near Beijing (at the time spelt Peking), china.
Question 66. Which primitive man used stones to produce fire?
- Java ape man
- Neanderthal man
- Cro-magnon man
- All of the above
Answer: 1. Java ape man
At Trinil, java, burned wood had been found in layers that carried h. Erectus (java man) fossils dating from 8,30,000 to 5,00,000 bp. The burned wood has been claimed to indicate the use of fire by early hominids.
Question 67. Java ape man is considered to have existed in
- Java only
- China only
- Africa only
- Java, China and Africa
Answer: 4. Java, China and Africa
Java ape-man existed in Java, China and Africa.
Question 68. Dubois, in 1891 found the fossil of Java ape-man. It is
- Sinanthropus pekinensis
- Homo erectus
- Homo rhodesiensis
- Homo sapiens
Answer: 4. Homo sapiens
Homo erectus erectus (java ape man) was excavated in 1891 by Dubois from the rocks of central Java.
Question 69. Assertion among the primates, the chimpanzee is the closest relative of present-day humans. Reason (r) the banding pattern in the autosome numbers 3 and 6 of man and chimpanzee is remarkably similar.
- Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
- Both a and r are true, but r is not the correct explanation of a
- A is true, but r is false
- Both a and r are false
Answer: 1. Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
It has been observed that the banding pattern of individual human chromosomes is very similar to the banding pattern of the corresponding chromosomes in apes.
The banding pattern of human chromosomes number 3 and 6 was compared with those of particular autosomes in the chimpanzee. It shows a common origin for man and chimpanzee
Question 70. Fossils of Australopithecus were first found in Punjab
- America
- Australia
- S. Africa
- Asia
Answer: 3. S. Africa
Australopithecus fossils were discovered in 1920 by Prof. Raymond from tanks in South Africa.
Australopithecus is a genus of fossil primates that lived 4-2 million years ago and coexisted for some of this time with early forms of humans.
They walked erect and had teeth resembling those of modern humans, but the cranial capacity was less than one-third that of a modern human.
Question 71. The ancestor of the man who first exhibited bipedal gait
- Australopithecus
- Cro-magnon man
- Java ape man
- Peking man
Answer: 1. Australopithecus
Australopithecus is also called the first ape-man. Some of its characteristics are as follows They were about 1.5 m tall and had human as well as ape characters. They possessed bipedal locomotion, omnivorous diet and had erected posture.
Their cranial capacity was about 500 cc, similar to that of apes. They lived in caves. They had the lumber curve in their back.
They hunted with simple weapons like stones. They lived in Africa region about 3.2 mya.
Question 72. The scientific name of Soloman is
- Homo stenosis
- Neanderthal
- Ramapithecus
- Homo erectus
Answer: 1. Homo stenosis
Home stenosis is the scientific name of Soloman
Question 73. Who first discovered fossils of ‘ramapithecus’?
- Dubois
- R dart
- Ge lewis
- Jk fuhlort
Answer: 3. Ge lewis
Ramapithecus was discovered in n. India and in e. Africa, beginning in 1932. It was discovered by George Lewis.
Question 74. Which one of the fossil men stood first?
- Australopithecus
- Homo erectus
- Sinanthropus
- Gigantopithecus
Answer: 2. Homo erectus
‘Homo erectus’ (java man) is called ‘upright man’ (stood erect). So, it first stood erect
Question 75. The lowest capacity of the cranium was found in the
- Neanderthal man
- Australopithecus
- Cro-magnon man
- Java man
Answer: 2. Australopithecus
Out of the given options, the lowest brain capacity is found in Australopithecus, ranging from 450-600 cc or slightly above
Question 76. Which one is called ‘a man with ape brain’?
- Dryopithecus
- Pithecanthropus
- Sinanthropus
- Australopithecus
Answer: 4. Australopithecus
Australopithecus were the ancestors of humans with the ape brain, whose brains were in the process of development
Question 77. Human beings belong to the family–Hominidae which evolved about 24 million years ago. The relative family–Pongidae includes
- Chimpanzee
- Gorilla
- Orangutan
- All of these
Answer: 4. All of these
The Hominidae (also known as great apes) form a taxonomic family of primates, including four genera
- Chimpanzees
- Gorillas
- Humans (homo)
- Orangutans (pongo)
Question 78. Handy man is
- Cro-magnon
- Neanderthal
- Homo habilis
- None of the above
Answer: 3. Homo habilis
Homo habilis is called handyman because researchers believe this species of human ancestors were the first primates to use tools, leaving evidence of stone tools at various archaeological sites.
Question 79. Which one of the following is considered a common ancestor of old world monkeys, apes and man?
- Oligopithecus
- Shivapithecus
- Ramapithecus
- Parapithecus
Answer: 3. Ramapithecus
Ramapithecus is an extinct group of primates that lived about 12 to 14 million years ago. Thus, it is considered a common ancestor of old-world monkeys, apes and man.
Question 80. Which of the following statement is correct about homo erectus?
- Had a large brain of around 900 cc.
- Appeared about 1.5 million years ago.
- Ate meat.
- Evolved from homo habilis.
Choose the correct option.
- 1 And 2
- 3 And 4
- 1, 2, 3 And 4
Answer: 4. 1, 2, 3 And 4
All given statements are correct. Features of homo erectus are as follows They appeared about 1.5-1.7 million years ago.
They evolved from homo habilis. They were about 1.5-1.8 m long. Their cranial capacity was 800- 1300 cc, cranium was domed to accommodate large brains. They ate me
Question 81. The biological name of the Java man is
- Homo erectus erectus
- Anthropopithecus erectus
- Pithecanthropus erectus
- All of the above
Answer: 4. All of the above
Ava man (homo erectus erectus, formerly also anthropopathic’s erectus, Pithecanthropus erectus) is an early human fossil discovered in 1891 and 1892 on the island of Java (dutch east indies, now part of Indonesia).
Question 82. The cranial capacity of Java ape was about
- 560 Cc
- 900 Cc
- 1300 Cc
- 1600 Cc
Answer: 2. 900 Cc
The cranial capacity of Java ape was about 900 cc.
Question 83. Proper burial of dead bodies, for the first time started in which prehistoric man’s period?
- Peking man
- Java man
- Neanderthal man
- Cro-magnon man
Answer: 3. Neanderthal man
Neanderthal buried the dead bodies with flowers and tools.
Question 84. Which is the correct chronological sequence of human evolution?
- Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → homo erectus neanderthalensis → homo sapiens
- Ramapithecus → homo habilis → homo sapiens → homo erectus
- Australopithecus → ramapithecus → homo habilis → homo sapiens
- Homo habilis → australopithecus → homo erectus → homo sapiens
Answer: 4. Homo habilis → Australopithecus → homo erectus → homo sapiens
The correct chronological sequence of human evolution is ramapithecus →australopithecus → homo erectus neanderthalensis → homo sapiens
Question 85. The fossils of homo habilis were discovered by Leaky et al. (1964) In
- Germany
- Europe
- Australia
- Africa
Answer: 4. Mary Leaky and lbs Leaky discovered the fossils of homo habilis from Pleistocene rocks of Olduvai Gorge in East Africa
Question 86. Match the following columns.
Answer: 4. 1–4, 2–3, 3–1, 4–2
Question 87. The evolution of man took place in
- Central Africa
- Central Asia
- Australia
- America
Answer: 1. Central Africa
The evolution of man took place in central Africa. It is considered that the common ancestor of both humans and apes, Dryopithecus was found in the Miocene rock of Africa and Europe.
Question 88. Identify the cranial capacity a, b and c of the given primates.
Primates → cranial capacities (in cubic centimetres)
- Chimpanzee and gorilla → a
- Australopithecus → 500 cc
- Homo habilis → b
- Java ape-man → 800-1000 cc
- Heidelberg man → c
Choose the correct option
- A–325-500 cc, b–900 cc, c–800- 1000 cc
- A–325-510 cc, b–700 cc, c–1300 cc
- A–325-510 cc, b–700 cc, c–850- 1200 cc
- A–325-510 cc, b–700 cc, c–850- 1400 cc
Answer: 2. Australopithecus → 500 cc
The cranial capacities of apes and man are Chimpanzee and gorilla → 325-510 cc (a) Homo habilis – 700 cc (b) Heidelberg man →1300 cc (c)
Question 89. A cranial capacity of 1200 cc belongs to
- Java man
- Peking man
- Cro-magnon man
- Both 1 and 2
Answer: 2. Peking man
Peking man is homo erectus pekinensis and it was discovered near Peking (china). Their brain size was 1200 cc.
Question 90. Which of the following presumably possesses a cranial capacity larger than modern man?
- Neanderthal man
- Peking man
- Australopithecus
- Cro-magnon man
Answer: 4. Cro-magnon man
Cro-magnon were the first humans (genus–homo) to have a prominent chin. The brain capacity was about 1600 cc (100 cubic inches), somewhat larger than the average as compared to modern humans
Question 91. The oldest human ancestral fossil discovered from the rocks of the Oligocene epoch is called
- Dryopithecus
- Ramapithecus
- Parapithecus
- Cro-magnon
Answer: 3. Parapithecus
Parapithecus fossils were the oldest human ancestral fossils discovered in 1911 from Egypt, in the Oligocene epoch
Question 92. The epoch of the beginning of human life is
- Palaeocene
- Pleistocene
- Pliocene
- Holocene
Answer: 3. Pliocene
Pliocene is characterised by the origin of man. Thus, it is the epoch of the beginning of human life.
Question 93. Which of the following is the major change during human evolution?
- Formation of a rounded head, vertical forehead and flat face
- Reduction in the size of eyebrows ridges, formation of elevated nose and prominent chin
- Erect posture and bipedal locomotion
- All of the above
Answer: 4. All of the above
All the given options represent changes during human evolution. Thus, option 4 is correct.
Question 94. Which of the following was not in the direction of the evolution of the human species?
- Raised orbital ridges
- Binocular vision
- Developed brain
- Opposable thumb
Answer: 1. Raised orbital ridges
Raised orbital ridges are not in the direction of the evolution of the human species.
Question 95. Anthropoids evolved into
- Apes, proconsul and monkeys
- Apes, cro-magnon men and old-world monkeys
- Proconsul, New World Monkeys and Peking man
- New world monkeys, proconsul and homo habilis
Answer: 1. Apes, proconsul and monkeys
Anthropoids are like human beings or an ape. Anthropoid gorillas, chimpanzees and gibbons, are all anthropoid apes, having long arms, no tails and highly developed brains.
Thus, monkeys, apes and proconsul, are all anthropoids.
Question 96. The difference between homo sapiens and the homo erectus was
- Homo sapiens originated in Africa, while homo erectus originated in Asia
- Homo erectus were much smaller in size than homo sapiens
- Homo erectus stayed in Africa, while homo sapiens were nomads
- The size of the brain of homo erectus was smaller than that of homo sapiens
Answer: 4. The size of the brain of homo erectus was smaller than that of homo sapiens
Homo erectus were Java men with cranial capacity 800-1000 cc. Homo sapiens are living modern men with a cranial capacity of 1450 cc. Thus, the brain size of homo erectus was smaller than that of homo sapiens.
Question 97. The most recent in human evolution is
- Mesolithic
- Neolithic
- Upper palaeolithic
- Middle palaeolithic
Answer: 2. Neolithic
Neolithic is also called the age of agriculture. It is the most recent time of evolution in human
Evolution Mcq For NEET
Question 98. The rise of ist primates occurred in …………………. Epoch.
- Palaeocene
- Oligocene
- Miocene
- Eocene
Answer: 1. Palaeocene
The first primate-like mammals, or proto-primates, evolved in the early palaeocene epoch (65.5-55.8 million years ago), at the beginning of the Cenozoic era.
They were roughly similar to squirrels and tree shrews in size and appearance.
Question 99. Which of the following is the closest relative of man?
- Orangutan
- Gorilla
- Sinanthropus
- Gibbon
Answer: 3. Sinanthropus
Misanthropes (from Sino-China and anthro-man) is an archaic genus in the scientific classification system to which the early hominid fossils of Peking man belong.
They have now been reclassified as Homo erectus. The genus– Sinanthropus is now disused but it is still known as the closest relative of man. The other three are apes.
Question 100. Apes and hominids have evolved from
- Dryopithecus
- Australopithecus
- Homo erectus
- Homo habilis
Answer: 1. Dryopithecus
Dryopithecus is the oldest human-like fossil. It is considered the common ancestor of both hominids and apes. Dryopithecus was found in Miocene rock of Africa and Europe
Question 101. Match the following columns.
Answer: 3. A–2, b–1, c–3, d–4
Question 102. Match the following columns.
Answer: 2. A–4, b–3, c–2, d–1
Question 103. Assertion almost 100% of the genetic makeup of man is similar to chimpanzees. Reason (r) 94% genetic makeup of man and gibbon is similar.
- Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
- Both a and r are true, but r is not the correct explanation of a
- A is true, but r is false
- Both a and r are false
Answer: 4. Both a and r are false
These can be corrected as the analysis of the sequence of 7100 nucleotides in a segment of dna from the haemoglobin gene suggests that humans and chimpanzees are closer to one another than chimpanzees and gorillas.
They matched at 98.8% of the bases in man and chimpanzee and 97.9% with gorilla and man.
The gibbons are sufficiently different to be in their own family of hominids, the Hylobatidae. Along with the great apes, humans are members of the family Hominidae.
Of all living species, people are genetically and evolutionarily closest to the African apes. Subsequently, they have been placed into the same subfamily, the homininae. The genetic similarity between man and gibbons is less than 94%.
Question 104. Assertion Neanderthal man was more intelligent than other fossil relatives. Reason (r) it had the largest cranial capacity.
- Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
- Both a and r are true, but r is not the correct explanation of a
- A is true, but r is false
- Both a and r are false
Answer: both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
The Neanderthal man is considered the most intelligent man as compared to the other relatives of ancient man such as fossils of homo erectus.
The cranial capacity of the Neanderthal man was 1600 cm3, which is higher when compared to the cranial capacity of the modern man, which is 1400 cm3.
This is the reason that these men were considered more intelligent.
Question 105. Consider the following statements.
Java men and Peking men were called homo erectus by Mayer.
They both did not use fire.
Choose the correct option.
- Statement 1 is correct, but 2 is incorrect
- Statement 1 is incorrect, but 2 is correct
- Both statements 1 and 2 are correct
- Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect
Answer: 1. Statement 1 is correct, but 2 is incorrect
Bhomo erectus evolved from the homo habilis and were divided into three groups called the Java man, Peking man and Heidelberg man.
Java men and Peking men have the same characteristics like using fire, living in the same caves, body length, omnivorous and cannabis. But the only difference was in the capacity of the cranium.
Evolution Mcq For NEET
Question 106. Assertion southern ape is called the connecting link between ape and man. Reason (r) This is an Australopithecus who had combined features of ape and man.
- Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
- Both a and r are true, but r is not the correct explanation of a
- A is true, but r is false
- Both a and r are false
Answer: 1. Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a.
Southern ape is called a connecting link between ape and man. It is first with fully bipedal hominids, with small brains, short stature, and heads balanced on the neck.
Thus, Australopithecus had combined features of ape and man
Question 107. Match the hominids with their correct brain size.
Answer: 3. A–3, b–4, c–1, d–2
Question 108. Hominids originated during
- Palaeocene
- Pliocene
- Miocene
- Oligocene
Answer: 3. Miocene
The term hominid refers to humans and their direct and near-direct bipedal ancestors. Hominids originated during the Miocene epoch.
Question 109. Consider the following statements.
From an evolutionary point of view, the human gestation period is believed to be shortening.
One major evolutionary trend in humans has been the larger head undergoing a relatively faster growth rate in the foetal stage.
Choose the correct option.
- Statement 1 is correct, but 2 is incorrect
- Statement 1 is incorrect, but 2 is correct
- Both statements 1 and 2 are correct
- Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect
Answer: 2. Statement 1 is incorrect, but 2 is correct
The incorrect statement can be corrected as the humans would require more gestation period (should have been 21 months as compared to 9 months and will increase) because the head size is increasing (especially the frontal brain).
Hence, the growth rate needs to be increased, but surprisingly most of the brain growth occurs after birth till 2 years (when the anterior fontanelle closes at 18 months) and even more till 30 years when the cranial sutures close.
Thus, an increase in brain/skull size would require an increase in the gestation period.
Question 110. Assertion human ancestors never used their tails and so the tail-expressing gene has disappeared in them. Reason (r) Lamarck’s theory of evolution is popularly called the theory of continuity of germplasm.
- Both a and r are true and r is the correct explanation of a
- Both a and r are true, but r is not the correct explanation of a
- A is false, but r is true
- Both a and r are false
Answer: 4. Both a and r are false and can be corrected as if humans share ancestry with primates, then we should expect to see remnants of that common ancestry in our genes.
For example, the tail is occasionally exhibited in atavism. According to current evolutionary theory, the ancestors of humans lost their tails about 25 million years ago, when apes (tailless primates) diverged from monkeys (tailed primates) secondly, the theory of continuity of the germplasm was given by Weismann
Question 111. Proconsuls are ancestors of
- Apes only
- Man only
- Both apes and man
- None of these
Answer: 3. Both apes and man
Proconsul africanus is an ancestor of both apes and early humans that lived about 25 million years ago.
Question 112. Which of the following shows the smallest cranial capacity?
- Rhesus monkey
- Orangutan
- Chimpanzee
- Gorilla
Answer: 2. Orangutan
Orangutan has the smallest cranial capacity in comparison to rhesus monkey, chimpanzee and gorilla.
Evolution Mcq For NEET
Question 113. The tailless primate is
- Lemur
- African baboon
- Spider monkey
- Loris
Answer: 4. Loris
Loris is found outside Madagascar. Slender loris, loris tardigrades, is seen in southern India and Sri lanka, while Nycticebus bengalensis is from northern India.
Like lemurs, they also eat fruits and small animals. However, they are tailless, move slowly and often hang upside down.
Question 114. Neanderthal man became extinct due to
- Earthquakes
- Forest fire
- Competition
- Origin of active mammals
Answer: 3. Competition
Mousterian technologies, the sudden appearance of modern homo sapiens, upper palaeolithic technologies and the absence of transitional anatomical or technological forms have led many researchers to conclude that Neanderthal was driven to extinction through competition with cro-magnon or related populations. Hence, option 3 is correct.
Question 115. Peking Man is known
- Australopithecus
- Sinanthropus
- Pithecanthropus
- Homo sapiens
Answer: 2. Sinanthropus
Wc Pei (1924) discovered the fossils of Peking man from the limestone caves of Choukoutien near Peking (Beijing – the capital of China and formerly known as Peking) and named them Sinanthropus.
Davidson Black (1927) named it Sinanthropus pekinensis. Mayer (1950) renamed it homo erectus pekinensis (a subspecies).
Question 116. Man’s Place in Nature was written by
- Huxley
- Darwin
- Dawson
- Dart
Answer: 1. Huxley
Man’s Place in Nature is a book by Thomas Henry Huxley published in 1863, in which he gave evidence for the evolution of man and apes from a common ancestor. It was the first book that covered the topic of human evolution
Question 117. Who coined the term ‘homo sapiens’?
- Charles darwin
- Lamarck
- Carolus linnaeus
- Lederberg
Answer: 3. Carolus linnaeus
The species binomial ‘homo sapiens’ was coined by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th-century work, Systema Naturae.
Question 118. ‘The Descent of Man was published by
- Charles Darwin in 1871
- Charles Darwin in 1859
- Hugo de vries in 1901
- Lamarck in 1809
Answer: 1. Charles Darwin in 1871
‘The Descent of Man’ was published on 24th February 1871 and was written by Charles Darwin. It is a book on sexual selection and evolutionary biology